Page 12 of The Bathhouse (Roosters #10)

Reed stared at Joseph with eyes that burned from the sleepless nights he’d spent thinking about this man.

He couldn’t help but feel concern and pity.

Dark circles ringed Joseph’s eyes and patches of sunburn reddened his cheeks.

The dirty bandage covering his leg showed spots of blood.

It had been less than a week, but Joseph didn’t look well. It was hard to see him that way.

Reed had fought for Joseph’s freedom, used his money and influence to speed up the investigation and get Joseph released. He hadn’t planned to be here waiting for him, but at the last minute, he’d changed his mind. Now that he was here, he didn’t know what to say.

Joseph approached him slowly. “I guess I have you to thank for my release.”

“I had no choice. News of the arrest traveled quickly. Workplace gossip was unavoidable and devastating. Rumors were rampant. Morale and productivity took a big hit. I had to find out the truth and address it in a professional manner, so I went to the police. When I found out that you’d been shot, I persuaded them to do a thorough investigation. ”

“Thank you, Reed. I owe you my life. God knows how long I would have been in there if it wasn’t for you.”

“I would do the same for anyone.” That wasn’t exactly true, he didn’t care for anyone the way he cared for Joseph, but he hid those feelings.

He handed over Joseph’s watch and wallet, the few items he’d been arrested with. “You look horrible. I have my rental car here. I’ll drive you home.”

No one spoke during the ride, although Reed kept sneaking glances at Joseph. When they reached the apartment, Reed pulled over, but he didn’t make a move to shut off the ignition.

Joseph spoke in a wistful voice. “Will you come inside with me? The least I can do is offer you an explanation and proper apology.”

Paralyzed by doubt, Reed sat in silence. “I don’t think it’s a good idea,” he said at last.

“Please. I know I have no right to ask, but I’m not sure I can manage those steps on my own.”

Joseph looked so pitiful, Reed couldn’t refuse. He parked as close as he could and offered a hand to help Joseph out of the car. Together, they made their way to the door, and then up the stairs.

At the door, Reed turned to leave, but Joseph grasped his hand. “I need to talk. Please. One drink,” he burst out desperately.

Reed’s mind told him to bolt, but his heart had a different opinion.

At one time he would have shielded himself from hurt by fleeing and putting up a wall, but he couldn’t do it now.

He’d formed a connection with Joseph, discovered something he’d been missing.

At the very least, he needed to hear the truth from Joseph’s mouth.

“I think you’d better see to your leg first. Why don’t you bathe and I’ll get the drinks?”

Joseph took a step toward the bathroom, then stopped and turned his head. “You won’t leave, will you?”

Overcome with sudden emotion, Reed knew that despite everything, he still cared deeply for this man. And those feelings made him a better person. He couldn’t deny the importance of his emotions and uncoupling would kill him. Perhaps he could forgive and forget. “No. I won’t leave.”

Joseph nodded and disappeared into the bathroom. Reed found a bottle of whiskey and two glasses. He carried them into the bathroom and stood transfixed at the door.

Joseph was soaking in the heated water, eyes closed, hands exploring. One hand stroked his penis while the other cupped his balls. He moaned and his eyes opened, his gaze locked with Reed’s. His hands came out of the water. “I’m sorry, it’s been a while.”

Reed sat on the closed toilet seat. “Don’t be sorry. I was enjoying the show.”

Joseph grinned uncertainly. “I was thinking about you.”

The comment sent Reed’s pulse racing, but he didn’t respond.

“I feel so much better,” Joseph said at last. “I feel like I’m in heaven.”

Reed handed him a glass. “It’s understandable, you just got out of hell.”

Joseph lifted his tumbler. “Let’s drink to freedom.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Reed took a healthy swallow and then put his glass down. “Let’s see that leg.”

“It’s just a flesh wound.” Joseph lifted his leg and displayed a red, angry streak on the skin. “Now that it’s clean, it will heal faster.”

Reed shook his head. “I can’t believe the conditions in that place. It’s beyond horrifying. I hope Dave Torres spends the rest of his life in there.”

Joseph frowned. “I’m glad I never saw him in the jail.”

“That’s surprising.”

“Not really. There are so many men.”

“I have to ask. What made you go to his apartment?”

“It’s okay. You need to know, and I don’t mind talking about it.

I thought I could get him to leave you alone.

I wanted to get the pictures back, but he actually asked me to be his partner.

He thought pulling a gun on me would persuade me to go along with him.

When he accused me of pretending to be gay so I could get money from you, I lost it.

We started fighting and the gun went off.

One of his neighbors must have called the police. ”

“How did he get the photos, Joseph?”

“I didn’t give them to him.”

“Go on.”

“My phone went missing the day you fired him. I found it later, but I didn’t think anything of it. Sometimes I’d leave it in the bathroom or break room.” His voice trailed off. “It’s still my fault. I never should have taken those pictures.”

“Why did you?”

“It was the night I stayed in your hotel room. We had just made love. Then you told me to leave before morning. I felt ashamed. I told myself that if you humiliated me again, I would use the pictures to get what I wanted.”

“Money? A job?”

“That’s what I thought at the time, but as my feelings for you grew, I knew I could never go through with it.”

“It was stupid. You got the job anyway, on your own merit. You earned it.”

Joseph started crying openly, his face twisted with anguish. “I ruined everything.”

“It’s all over now and we don’t have to worry about the photos anymore. The police took the prints and Torres’ phone for evidence. When they get around to it, he’ll be tried for extortion, assault, and embezzling. They’ll put him away for a long time.”

“What happens now?” Joseph asked.

Reed set his glass on the floor and stood. “Now, I’ll wash your back.”

* * *

Reed undressed and slid into the water behind Joseph. He stretched his legs around Joseph’s.

“Owww,” Joseph wailed.

Reed froze. “Did I hurt you? Should I get out?”

“No, no. It’s just the leg. Still a bit sore, but it will pass.”

Joseph settled back against Reed’s chest. He felt Reed’s thighs tighten around his hips and Reed’s hard cock pressing into his ass. “This is bliss,” he moaned.

“I never expected today to end up like this,” Reed added softly.

“Are you sorry?”

“That remains to be seen.”

“You don’t trust me, but I understand.” Joseph sighed heavily. “How can I prove myself to you?”

“That may take some time.”

“Does that mean you’ll give me another chance?”

“We’ll talk about it,” Reed said gruffly. “Let’s wash you up, now.” He reached for the soap.

Joseph leaned forward and Reed lathered his back.

He rubbed Joseph’s shoulders, giving him a good massage.

Joseph moaned and relaxed into his touch.

He’d never shared a bath with anyone before.

Showers, yes. A bath, no. This was so intimate, nothing like going to the bathhouse.

Reed seemed to be enjoying it, too so Joseph asked for something more. “Would you wash my hair, Pogi?”

Reed sniffed. “God knows, it needs it.” He hesitated for a moment. “I’ve never done this before.”

“That’s okay, I like being the first.”

Reed started to pour shampoo on his head. Obviously, he didn’t know what he was doing.

Joseph laughed. “First step. Wet my head more.”

“Maybe, you should do --”

“Please.”

“Oh, all right.”

Reed used way more shampoo than needed, but it felt so good, Joseph wouldn’t protest for fear he might stop. The feel of Reed’s hands working his magic gave him so much pleasure. He closed his eyes and drifted off.

Joseph felt Reed shaking him awake. How long had he slept ?

“Time to get out, Joseph. The water’s cold.”

Joseph agreed reluctantly. Nothing sexual had happened between them, yet the bath had felt so tender and intimate. Never before had he felt so cared for. If he lost Reed now, he’d be heartbroken.

They grabbed towels and dried each other, Reed being super careful with his leg. No words were needed as they made their way to the bedroom and climbed onto the bed.

Joseph lay with his back to Reed’s chest. He never wanted to move from this spot. He had everything he needed right here. This felt right. He savored the deep sense of belonging. I only hope Reed feels the same . Joseph stretched, content and drowsy.

* * *

Reed watched Joseph sleep, but sleep eluded him. This time together had been wonderful, better than he’d expected, but…

Reed was terrified. Terrified of getting hurt again.

Terrified that if he accepted this fling, or whatever it was, as a real relationship, he would have to come out of the closet.

Terrified that they would never last as a couple.

The smart thing to do would be to leave now and end it once and for all.

But on the other hand…

Joseph had always been his one and only love. After all these years Reed still felt the butterflies take off whenever he laid eyes on him. He was sexy, smart, romantic, playful, flirtatious, affectionate, a hard worker, deceitful.

Yes, that too. Reed hadn’t lost his ability to judge a man’s character.

He knew Joseph had faults. But no one was perfect.

Not even him. Reed knew he could be arrogant, selfish, a know-it-all, and deceitful in his own way.

He’d been leading a secret double life for years, lying to his family and friends.

He didn’t blame Joseph for feeling hurt and humiliated when he tried to make his lover a dirty little secret.

But Reed wasn’t the same person that he had been at twenty.

Surely, he’d grown in all those years. The world had changed, too.

Attitudes toward gays reflected more acceptance.

Younger people were leading the way, but maybe it wasn’t too late for a middle-aged gay man to come out of the closet and admit he was in love.

Was Joseph in love with him? He felt fairly certain his feelings were reciprocated.

Still, there were doubts. The truth was after all these years, he didn’t know how to be in a romantic relationship.

He’d never been in a position of giving love and support freely.

Could he get out of his own way, and let this evolve into something permanent?

Or would his overthinking ruin everything?